10673660

Continuous Time Linear Equalizer

PublishedJune 2, 2020
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
17 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A system comprising: a first signal path comprising a first amplifier, a high pass filter, and a first controllable transconductance unit; a second signal path comprising a second amplifier and a second controllable transconductance unit coupled to the second amplifier; and a summation node configured to receive complementary current summation signals of the first controllable transconductance unit and the second controllable transconductance unit, wherein the high pass filter comprises, a first port configured to receive an input signal from an output of the first amplifier, a second port coupled to a control port of the first controllable transconductance unit, and a third port coupled to the summation node.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to signal processing systems, specifically for handling differential signals in analog circuits. The system addresses the challenge of accurately processing and combining signals from multiple paths while maintaining stability and minimizing distortion. The system includes two parallel signal paths. The first path contains a first amplifier, a high pass filter, and a first controllable transconductance unit. The second path includes a second amplifier and a second controllable transconductance unit. The high pass filter in the first path has three ports: one for receiving the amplified input signal from the first amplifier, another connected to the control input of the first transconductance unit, and a third linked to a summation node. The summation node combines the complementary current outputs from both transconductance units. The controllable transconductance units allow dynamic adjustment of signal gain or attenuation, enabling flexible signal processing. The high pass filter ensures that only higher-frequency components from the first path are summed with the second path's signal, which may contain lower-frequency components. This configuration improves signal fidelity and reduces interference in applications such as audio processing, communication systems, or sensor signal conditioning. The system's modular design allows integration into various analog front-end circuits.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the high pass filter is a first order high pass filter comprising a resistor and a capacitor.

Plain English Translation

A system for signal processing includes a high pass filter designed to remove low-frequency components from an input signal. The high pass filter is specifically implemented as a first-order high pass filter, which consists of a resistor and a capacitor connected in series. This configuration allows the filter to attenuate frequencies below a certain cutoff frequency while passing higher frequencies. The resistor and capacitor values are selected to determine the cutoff frequency, ensuring that the filter effectively separates unwanted low-frequency noise or DC components from the desired signal. This design is commonly used in applications requiring simple and efficient signal conditioning, such as audio processing, sensor signal filtering, or communication systems. The first-order implementation provides a balance between filtering performance and circuit complexity, making it suitable for applications where cost and simplicity are important considerations. The filter's response is characterized by a single pole, resulting in a gradual roll-off of the low-frequency components. This system enhances signal clarity by isolating the relevant high-frequency content while minimizing the impact of low-frequency interference.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the capacitor is coupled between the first port and the second port of the high pass filter and the resistor is coupled between the second port and the third port of the high pass filter.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to high pass filter circuits, specifically addressing the arrangement of passive components within such filters to improve performance. High pass filters are used in electronic circuits to allow signals above a certain frequency to pass while attenuating lower frequencies. A common challenge in designing these filters is achieving a desired cutoff frequency and impedance matching while maintaining stability and minimizing component count. The system includes a high pass filter with at least three ports, where a capacitor is connected between the first and second ports, and a resistor is connected between the second and third ports. The capacitor and resistor work together to define the filter's frequency response. The capacitor blocks low-frequency signals, while the resistor provides a path for higher-frequency signals while also influencing the filter's impedance characteristics. This configuration ensures that the filter operates efficiently, with the resistor helping to dampen unwanted resonances and improve signal integrity. The arrangement minimizes the need for additional components, simplifying the circuit design while maintaining performance. The filter can be used in various applications, including audio processing, communication systems, and signal conditioning circuits.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The system of claim 2 , wherein the resistor is configured to provide a bias signal to the control port of the first controllable transconductance unit.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to electronic systems incorporating controllable transconductance units, which are devices that convert input voltage into an output current with adjustable gain. The problem addressed involves ensuring stable and precise operation of these units, particularly in applications requiring accurate signal processing or amplification. The system includes a first controllable transconductance unit with a control port that regulates its transconductance, meaning the ratio of output current to input voltage. A resistor is connected to this control port and is configured to provide a bias signal. This bias signal sets an operating point for the transconductance unit, ensuring consistent performance by maintaining a stable reference voltage or current at the control port. The resistor may also filter noise or stabilize the bias signal, improving the overall reliability of the system. The system may further include additional components, such as a second controllable transconductance unit, to enhance functionality. The resistor's configuration ensures that the bias signal is properly applied to the control port, allowing the transconductance unit to operate within desired parameters. This design is particularly useful in analog circuits, signal processing, and amplification systems where precise control of transconductance is critical. The resistor's role in providing a stable bias signal helps mitigate variations in performance due to environmental factors or component tolerances.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The system of claim 2 , wherein the resistor is adjustable.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing electrical circuits includes a resistor that can be adjusted to control current flow or voltage division. The resistor is part of a circuit configuration designed to regulate power distribution, signal conditioning, or impedance matching. Adjustability allows dynamic tuning of resistance values to optimize performance under varying conditions, such as temperature changes or load fluctuations. This feature enhances flexibility in applications like power supplies, amplifiers, or sensor interfaces, where precise resistance control is critical. The adjustable resistor may be implemented using variable resistors, digital potentiometers, or other resistance-modifying components, enabling precise calibration or real-time adjustments. The system ensures stable operation by compensating for environmental or operational variations, improving efficiency and reliability in electronic devices.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the system is configured to provide a desired transfer function by adjusting a resistance of the adjustable resistor.

Plain English Translation

A system for controlling electrical circuits includes an adjustable resistor that modifies the resistance within the circuit to achieve a desired transfer function. The system operates within the domain of electronic circuit design, specifically addressing the need for precise control over signal transfer characteristics in analog or mixed-signal applications. By dynamically adjusting the resistance, the system can alter the gain, filtering, or other transfer properties of the circuit, enabling customization for specific performance requirements. This adjustment may be used to compensate for variations in component tolerances, environmental conditions, or to implement adaptive signal processing. The adjustable resistor is integrated into a larger circuit configuration, which may include amplifiers, filters, or other components, to ensure the desired transfer function is achieved. The system provides flexibility in circuit design, allowing for real-time or programmable adjustments to optimize performance without requiring physical component replacement. This approach is particularly useful in applications where precise control over signal behavior is critical, such as in audio processing, sensor interfacing, or communication systems. The system may also include feedback mechanisms to monitor and refine the resistance adjustment for improved accuracy.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The system of claim 2 , wherein the capacitor is adjustable.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing electrical energy storage includes a capacitor configured to store and release electrical energy. The capacitor is adjustable, allowing its capacitance to be modified to meet varying energy storage demands. This adjustability enables the system to dynamically adapt to different operating conditions, such as fluctuating power requirements or varying input voltages. The capacitor may be adjusted mechanically, electronically, or through other means to alter its capacitance value. By incorporating an adjustable capacitor, the system can optimize energy storage efficiency, reduce power losses, and improve overall performance in applications such as power conditioning, energy harvesting, or grid stabilization. The system may also include additional components, such as control circuitry, to regulate the capacitor's adjustment based on real-time conditions. This adaptability enhances the system's versatility and reliability in handling diverse energy storage scenarios.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the system is configured to provide a desired transfer function by adjusting a capacitance of the adjustable capacitor.

Plain English Translation

A system for controlling electrical signals includes an adjustable capacitor configured to modify signal characteristics. The system operates in the domain of signal processing or electronic circuit design, addressing the need for precise control over signal transfer functions in applications such as filtering, impedance matching, or signal conditioning. The adjustable capacitor allows dynamic adjustment of capacitance to achieve a desired transfer function, enabling real-time tuning of signal behavior without requiring physical component replacement. This capability is particularly useful in adaptive systems where environmental conditions or operational requirements change, necessitating adjustments to maintain optimal performance. The system may integrate with other components, such as variable resistors or amplifiers, to further refine signal properties. By adjusting the capacitance, the system can alter parameters like cutoff frequency, bandwidth, or gain, ensuring flexibility in signal processing tasks. The design emphasizes precision and adaptability, making it suitable for high-performance applications in telecommunications, audio processing, or sensor interfaces. The adjustable capacitor may be implemented using semiconductor-based technologies, such as varactors or digitally controlled capacitors, to enable rapid and accurate tuning. The overall system enhances functionality by providing a means to dynamically configure signal pathways, improving efficiency and performance in electronic circuits.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the second signal path is configured as low frequency path or all pass path.

Plain English Translation

A system is described for signal processing that includes multiple signal paths with distinct frequency characteristics. The system processes an input signal through at least two signal paths, where the second signal path is specifically configured to operate as either a low-frequency path or an all-pass path. A low-frequency path filters out high-frequency components, allowing only lower-frequency signals to pass through, while an all-pass path allows all frequency components to pass without attenuation or phase distortion. The system may combine the outputs of these paths to achieve desired signal processing effects, such as frequency separation, noise reduction, or signal enhancement. The first signal path may be configured as a high-frequency path, a band-pass path, or another type of frequency-selective path, depending on the system's design. The system may be used in audio processing, telecommunications, or other applications where frequency-dependent signal manipulation is required. The configuration of the second path as either low-frequency or all-pass provides flexibility in tailoring the system's response to specific signal processing needs.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first controllable transconductance unit comprises a p-type field effect transistor and the second controllable transconductance unit comprises an n-type field effect transistor.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a differential amplifier system designed to improve linearity and reduce distortion in analog circuits. The system addresses the problem of nonlinear behavior in conventional differential amplifiers, which can degrade signal integrity in high-precision applications. The core of the system includes a pair of controllable transconductance units that convert input voltage differences into output currents with enhanced linearity. The first transconductance unit is implemented using a p-type field effect transistor (PFET), while the second unit uses an n-type field effect transistor (NFET). These complementary transistors work together to cancel out nonlinearities, ensuring a more linear relationship between input and output signals. The system also incorporates a common-mode feedback circuit to stabilize the output voltage, preventing variations that could introduce additional distortion. By leveraging the complementary characteristics of PFET and NFET devices, the system achieves higher linearity and lower distortion compared to traditional designs, making it suitable for applications requiring precise signal amplification, such as communication systems and sensor interfaces. The use of field-effect transistors allows for precise control of transconductance, further enhancing performance.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The system of claim 10 , wherein a gate of the p-type field effect transistor is coupled to the second port of the high pass filter; a source of the p-type field effect transistor is coupled to a supply voltage; a drain of the p-type field effect transistor is coupled to the summation node; a gate of the n-type field effect transistor is coupled to an output of the second amplifier; a drain of the n-type field effect transistor is coupled to the summation node; and a source of the n-type field effect transistor is coupled to ground.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an electronic circuit system for signal processing, specifically addressing the need for efficient signal amplification and filtering in integrated circuits. The system includes a high pass filter with a first port and a second port, where the first port receives an input signal. The high pass filter attenuates low-frequency components of the input signal while passing higher-frequency components to the second port. The system further includes a first amplifier and a second amplifier, each configured to amplify signals. The first amplifier receives the input signal and generates an amplified output, while the second amplifier receives the output of the first amplifier and produces a further amplified signal. A summation node combines signals from different components of the circuit. The system incorporates a p-type field effect transistor (PFET) and an n-type field effect transistor (NFET). The gate of the PFET is connected to the second port of the high pass filter, its source is connected to a supply voltage, and its drain is connected to the summation node. The gate of the NFET is connected to the output of the second amplifier, its drain is connected to the summation node, and its source is connected to ground. This configuration allows the transistors to modulate the signal at the summation node based on the filtered and amplified signals, enabling precise control of the output signal characteristics. The system is designed to improve signal integrity and efficiency in high-frequency applications.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first controllable transconductance unit comprises an n-type field effect transistor and the second controllable transconductance unit comprises a p-type field effect transistor.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for generating a differential output signal using complementary transconductance units. The system addresses the need for efficient and precise signal conversion in analog circuits, particularly in applications requiring high linearity and low power consumption. The system includes a first controllable transconductance unit and a second controllable transconductance unit, each configured to convert an input signal into a corresponding output current. The first transconductance unit comprises an n-type field effect transistor (FET), while the second transconductance unit comprises a p-type FET. The complementary nature of these transistors allows for balanced signal conversion, reducing distortion and improving performance. The system further includes a differential output stage that combines the currents from both transconductance units to produce a differential output signal. The use of n-type and p-type FETs ensures that the system can handle both positive and negative input signals effectively, enhancing linearity and dynamic range. The system is particularly useful in analog front-end circuits, such as amplifiers and signal conditioners, where precise signal conversion is critical. The complementary FET configuration also helps minimize power consumption while maintaining high accuracy.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The system of claim 12 , wherein a gate of the p-type field effect transistor is coupled to an output of the second amplifiers; a source of the p-type field effect transistor is coupled to a supply voltage; a drain of the p-type field effect transistor is coupled to the summation node; a gate of the n-type field effect transistor is coupled to the second port of the high pass filter; a drain of the n-type field effect transistor is coupled to the summation node; and a source of the n-type field effect transistor is coupled to ground.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an electronic circuit system for signal processing, specifically addressing the challenge of combining signals from different sources while maintaining signal integrity and minimizing noise. The system includes a high pass filter with a first port and a second port, where the first port receives an input signal and the second port outputs a filtered version of the input signal. The filtered signal is then processed by a first amplifier, which amplifies the signal before it is fed into a summation node. A second amplifier processes another input signal, and its output is coupled to the gate of a p-type field effect transistor (PFET). The PFET's source is connected to a supply voltage, and its drain is connected to the summation node. Additionally, an n-type field effect transistor (NFET) is included, with its gate connected to the second port of the high pass filter, its drain connected to the summation node, and its source grounded. The PFET and NFET work together to combine the amplified signals at the summation node, ensuring efficient signal summation while maintaining low noise and high accuracy. This configuration allows for precise signal processing in applications requiring high-frequency signal handling and noise reduction.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The system of claim 1 , wherein the system is configured such that a transconductance of the first controllable transconductance unit is considerably greater than a transconductance of a resistor of the high pass filter; and the transconductance of the first controllable transconductance unit is substantially equal to a transconductance of the second transconductance unit.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for signal processing, specifically an active high-pass filter with improved performance characteristics. The system addresses the problem of achieving a high-pass filter with precise frequency response and low distortion while maintaining stability and efficiency. The system includes a high-pass filter with a resistor and a controllable transconductance unit, along with a second transconductance unit. The transconductance of the first controllable transconductance unit is significantly higher than that of the resistor in the high-pass filter, ensuring that the filter's behavior is dominated by the transconductance rather than the passive resistor. Additionally, the transconductance of the first unit is matched to that of the second transconductance unit, ensuring symmetry and consistency in signal processing. This design improves the filter's linearity, reduces distortion, and enhances its frequency response accuracy. The system is particularly useful in applications requiring precise signal filtering, such as audio processing, communication systems, and instrumentation. The use of controllable transconductance units allows for dynamic adjustment of filter characteristics, making the system adaptable to varying signal conditions. The invention provides a robust solution for implementing high-pass filters with superior performance in integrated circuits and other electronic systems.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. A method comprising: receiving, by a summation node, complementary current summation signals of a first controllable transconductance unit and a second controllable transconductance unit, wherein a first signal path comprises a first amplifier, a high pass filter, and the first controllable transconductance unit; and wherein a second signal path comprises a second amplifier and a second controllable transconductance unit coupled to the second amplifier; and receiving, by the high pass filter, an input signal from an output of the first amplifier on a first port of the high pass filter, wherein the high pass filter comprises a second port coupled to a control port of the first controllable transconductance unit and a third port coupled to the summation node.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to signal processing systems, specifically a method for processing signals using complementary current summation and high-pass filtering. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently combining and filtering signals from multiple transconductance units while maintaining signal integrity and minimizing distortion. The method involves two signal paths. The first path includes a first amplifier, a high-pass filter, and a first controllable transconductance unit. The second path includes a second amplifier and a second controllable transconductance unit. The high-pass filter receives an input signal from the output of the first amplifier on one port, while another port of the filter is coupled to the control port of the first transconductance unit. The third port of the filter is connected to a summation node, which receives complementary current summation signals from both transconductance units. The summation node combines these signals, allowing for precise control of signal processing through adjustable transconductance. The high-pass filter ensures that only higher-frequency components of the input signal are passed through, while lower-frequency components are attenuated. The controllable transconductance units allow dynamic adjustment of signal gain, enabling flexible signal processing. This configuration improves signal fidelity and reduces distortion in applications requiring precise signal conditioning, such as audio processing or communication systems.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the high pass filter is a first order high pass filter comprising a resistor and a capacitor.

Plain English Translation

A method for signal processing involves filtering an input signal to remove low-frequency components. The method includes applying a high pass filter to the input signal, where the high pass filter is a first-order design consisting of a resistor and a capacitor. This configuration allows the filter to attenuate frequencies below a cutoff frequency while passing higher frequencies. The resistor and capacitor values determine the cutoff frequency, which can be adjusted based on the desired filtering characteristics. The filtered signal is then output for further processing or analysis. This approach is useful in applications where low-frequency noise or DC components need to be removed from a signal, such as in audio processing, sensor data filtering, or communication systems. The simplicity of the first-order design ensures low computational complexity and ease of implementation in both analog and digital systems. The method may be part of a larger signal processing pipeline that includes additional filtering or amplification stages.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. A system comprising: a first signal path comprising a first amplifier, high pass filter and a first controllable transconductance unit; a second signal path comprising a second amplifier and a second controllable transconductance unit coupled to the second amplifier; and a summation node configured to receive complementary current summation signals of the first transconductance unit and the second transconductance unit, wherein the high pass filter is a first order high pass filter comprising: a resistor, a capacitor, a first port configured to receive an input signal from an output of the first amplifier, a second port coupled to a control port of the first controllable transconductance unit, and a third port coupled to the summation node, wherein adjusting at least one of a capacitance of the capacitor or a resistance of the resistor controls a transfer function of the system.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a signal processing system designed to filter and amplify input signals while dynamically adjusting the transfer function. The system includes two parallel signal paths. The first path contains a first amplifier, a high pass filter, and a first controllable transconductance unit. The high pass filter is a first-order design comprising a resistor, a capacitor, and three ports. The first port receives the input signal from the first amplifier, the second port connects to the control port of the first transconductance unit, and the third port connects to a summation node. The second signal path includes a second amplifier and a second controllable transconductance unit. The summation node combines complementary current signals from both transconductance units. The transfer function of the system can be adjusted by modifying the capacitance of the capacitor or the resistance of the resistor in the high pass filter. This design allows for dynamic control over the system's frequency response and signal processing characteristics, enabling applications in adaptive filtering and signal conditioning. The controllable transconductance units further enhance flexibility by allowing current-based signal manipulation.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

June 2, 2020

Inventors

Pier Andrea Francese
Ilter Oezkaya
Alessandro Cevrero

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